Whole Foods

[Pete]

I actually really like the sign, it's just at first the word spacing seemed weird. The original rendering showed a much smaller sign along the top of that arch but I like this better.

And yes, it opens a week from tomorrow! There is simply nothing like it in OKC and for those not familiar with the concept, you are going to be blown away. A good portion of the store will feature prepared foods; it's as much a restaurant as a market.

And they have certainly done an excellent job with the design and construction. Looking forward to seeing lots of people sitting out on the patio and enjoying the setting.

[Brett]

Has anyone heard of a possible Whole Foods soft opening prior to its grand opening? Just curious.

[foodiefan]

. . . their WF OKC FB page has opening specials. . . hearth fired pizza on Thursday, 13 and 20 Oct. Can't wait!!

[iMAX386]

Super excited, but this area is going to a disaster zone for the first few weeks. I'm expecting the same kind of annoying traffic/too crowded headaches as the outlet shoppes opening.

[metro]

Nevermind

[metro]

Has anyone heard of a possible Whole Foods soft opening prior to its grand opening? Just curious.

Doubt it, it's not a restaurant, it's a solid national brand. I imagine they will do just fine

[Pete]

They have started to stack some seasonal stuff near the entrance and they've set up tables and chairs in the outdoor eating area:

[windowphobe]

And the direct mail has begun: they sent me a card today.

[metro]

Same here

[RadicalModerate]

Got coupons in the mail for free stuff at Whole Foods.
Including salmon!
The coupons have an expiration date.
About two weeks out.

The date and time probably align exactly with the moment that the line in front of me ends.
Along with the salmon. And the promo.

Somehow, Mass Mailed Coupons and UpScale Shopping Experience don't coexist comfortably.
Not even at Classen Curve. At least in my mind.

I hope the OKCPD has prescheduled the available traffic control resources. =)

[soonerguru]

Got coupons in the mail for free stuff at Whole Foods.
Including salmon!
The coupons have an expiration date.
About two weeks out.

The date and time probably align exactly with the moment that the line in front of me ends.
Along with the salmon. And the promo.

Somehow, Mass Mailed Coupons and UpScale Shopping Experience don't coexist comfortably.
Not even at Classen Curve. At least in my mind.

I hope the OKCPD has prescheduled the available traffic control resources. =)

Will ABLE agents be there with a bunch of health and fire inspectors? It could be disconcerting to shoppers looking for granola.

[RadicalModerate]

Well . . .
That's just the price one has to pay for progress.
Right? =)

Frankly, I am looking forward to seeing the future "leverage" applied by Mega-Conglomerates Acting in Concert regarding resolution of the antique (boneheaded) (ref. PBS Documentary) "wine in grocery stores" vs. "local liquor distribution mafia" . . .

Trust me: Read that over again, and I am confident that you will not only understand it but will also agree with my point. =)

[ChargerAg]

Here is a article about the new Whole Foods.

http://newsok.com/excitement-builds-...adlines_widget


Here is some lame pictures.

http://newsok.com/excitement-builds-...1048/1/1530349

[Pete]

Also from the Oklahoman:

[ChargerAg]

We can see the stained concrete floors that we talked about forever. lol

[Dustin]

They have electronic price tags. Brilliant!

[Pete]

Here's a screen capture from the Oklahoman video:

[metro]

Exciting!

[ChargerAg]

the last big questions is anything upstairs besides offices and what is at the back right of the store.

[poe]

Definitely looks great with all the pumpkins out front.

[citizenkane]

Doubt it, it's not a restaurant, it's a solid national brand. I imagine they will do just fine

Actually, there is going to be a soft opening. It's by invitation only.

[iMAX386]

Went to the Whole Foods in Austin on 6th St. in the last few days and it's just ridiculous with its variety and prepared food options...and probably sets my expectations way too high for the OKC store, but here's hoping that it's comparable.

I've only been to one other WF in Orange County, CA area so I don't know if that particular Austin store is in a league of its own, or if they're usually that awesome.

[BG918]

I've only been to one other WF in Orange County, CA area so I don't know if that particular Austin store is in a league of its own, or if they're usually that awesome.

It's in a league of its own. It's their flagship with the corporate HQ in the floors above.

[bluedogok]

It's in a league of its own. It's their flagship with the corporate HQ in the floors above.

It is also their primary test market store so there are always things going on there before they hit any other store. They have built some others about the same size (around 80,000 sf) and the new one in The Domain (replacing the current Gateway store in North Austin) is around the same but most new stores are a similar size to the one in OKC. The other new locations in Austin are going to be close to that format and not the large format. The relocated store in The Domain currently under construction was designed when they were doing the 80,000 sf stores as a standard.

[redrunner]

Opening day and parking lot is already completely full.